AMERSHAM’S Nicola Sanders admits she is drinking in the last chance saloon ahead of the Olympic trials in Birmingham, with individual qualification for the 400m on a knife-edge.

AMERSHAM’S Nicola Sanders admits she is drinking in the last chance saloon ahead of the Olympic trials in Birmingham, with individual qualification for the 400m on a knife-edge.

Sanders heads to the trials knowing nothing slower than 51.55seconds will do if she is to book a London 2012 place with three athletes already surpassing the Olympic A standard.

But, with 400m hurdles specialist Perri Shakes-Drayton being one of them, the 29-year-old knows the door may be ajar for a late charge to impress selectors.

She admits it’s now or never with the top two at the trials earning automatic selection.

“I have not been running amazingly well so far this season, not as well as I think I can anyway,” said Sanders – whose best time this year is 52.33.

“I am a bit disappointed that things haven’t quite gone to plan so I have to get myself together for the trials. I haven’t run the qualifying time yet, that’s the first thing to do at the trials, and I’m just hoping for a confidence booster.”

With Christine Ohuruogu and Shana Cox the other athletes with in the running, Sanders is taking solace from the fact that the 4x400m relay team will be one of the favourites at London 2012.

“The 400m is really tough, which means it’s good for the 4x400m,” said Sanders – who was at the opening of the new Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites London-Stratford City overlooking the Olympic Park on Tuesday.

“It will be tough but hopefully I can be one of them. I want to be up there with Christine and running her sort of times.”

? Holiday Inn is the Official Hotel Provider to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit ichotelsgroup.com for more information.